September 10, 2026 | NEW YORK, NY – Urban Resource Institute (URI), the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leading provider of services for families experiencing homelessness, is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Witschen as Senior Director of Institutional Giving, strengthening the organization’s Development leadership as URI continues to expand its programs, partnerships, and impact.
Katherine brings more than a decade of nonprofit development experience spanning foundation, corporate, and government relations, grant writing, strategic fundraising, and organizational planning. In her new role, she will help lead URI’s institutional fundraising strategy, deepen relationships with philanthropic partners, and identify new opportunities to advance the organization’s work supporting survivors of domestic violence, families experiencing homelessness, and communities across New York City.
Most recently, Katherine served as Director of Institutional Giving at Fountain House, where she led institutional fundraising strategy, cultivated relationships with foundation and corporate partners, and provided strategic oversight and mentorship to a team of grant writers. Her work supported the organization’s efforts to expand resources and opportunities for people living with serious mental illness.
Previously, at New York City Ballet, Katherine managed relationships with foundations and government agencies and supported annual and capital fundraising efforts for one of the country’s leading cultural institutions.
Throughout her career, Katherine has viewed fundraising as a way to build meaningful partnerships around shared goals and lasting impact. Her collaborative approach helps connect program priorities with compelling opportunities for philanthropic investment.
“Philanthropy is at its most powerful when it is built on trust, shared purpose, and a clear understanding of the change we are working to create together. URI’s scale, innovation, and commitment to helping individuals and families build safer, more stable futures make this an especially exciting time to join the organization. I look forward to working across URI and with our philanthropic partners to strengthen the relationships and resources that will help advance this work,” said Katherine Witschen.
Katherine joins URI as the organization continues to grow its philanthropic partnerships and expand programs that advance safety, stability, and opportunity for individuals and families across New York City.
She holds a Master of Fine Arts from Pace University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Salve Regina University.
Her appointment strengthens URI’s institutional fundraising leadership at an important stage in the organization’s continued growth and impact.
